Tiredly, she placed the lid back onto the decanter of Og's nectar. She shouldn't indulge, shouldn't be taking the evening off with so very much to do, but…she was just…

Numb.

And exhausted.

And…she paused in her self-assessment as she lifted the golden liquid to her lips, trying to ignore how alone she truly felt.

As there only remained a scant few people who truly knew her and had yet to pass the veil. And…did she really want to let many more in? And who would she? She took another sip, recalling Alastor's youthful, wholesome expression from their days at Hogwarts together to Amelia's vivid eyes and sighed. There were just too few people left in the Britain's wizarding world as it was, and most of them had been her student…

And she just…had issue with letting previous students into her life.

It was awkward. Amelia always used to give her a devil of time regarding the fact, 'especially as over half of the wizarding world is comprised of your former students, Minerva…'

No matter how true that was, it was still…difficult. She had bridged the gap a handful of times regarding friendship, normally with previous Gryffindors and grudgingly because of Albus' interference but never a lover. She had never worried nor thought about that fact until after Amelia's death…

He acutely understood the dynamic of being an educator and subsequent friend; but while her pool of potential friends and lovers was slim, his were downright rare. Which he pointed out one evening last year in his typical whimsical fashion as they shared a bottle of Cognac, that if he hadn't learned to move past age barriers even they would not be friends…as there was a stark age difference between them, and could she imagine him finding a lover whom he had not educated.

"But equity, dear." He leaned back adjusting his shoulder along the cushion, gingerly wrapping his burnt hand around the glass. "A most relevant and necessary part of any relationship, especially concerning former students."

"And tell me, Albus." She swirled the cup in the palm of her hand, "How many former students have you found that can be 'your' equal?"

A note of sadness reverberated through his blue depths. "Only three." He quietly murmured before forcing the corner of his lip upwards, "And while you are amongst the three, I doubt either of us would be pleased in 'that' type of relationship my dear."

"Hardly, though, it would send the halls buzzing even more than they already are regarding the nature of our relationship."

The twinkle began returning, "While enticing, as are you," He shook his head, "I'm afraid it'll have to remain innocuous."

"But…surely Albus, how can you remain hopeful after only encountering three people…"

"Love is hope, dear." He interjected, "And I have hope for you."

"And if I am to have hope, can I hope that the other two were more than mere friends?"

A light shinned from the depths of his worldly eyes, "I would never consider you a mere friend." Her brow quirked, and he chuckled knowing full well the diatribe upon the tip of her tongue. "There are some mysteries my dear that are left to be safeguarded from even the stoutest of friends, but rest assured, your hope can be replaced with faith."

Minerva recalled the thousands of times she had come up to his rooms, and not once had he someone present save for a member of the staff…and while close to many, he was not 'that' close to any of them. She thought back to the dinner parties, the celebrations, the dances…never once had he taken an escort, and if he had to, he took her. Shaking her head, "While I shall try to be hopeful, Albus. I am also faced with the very real truth that I am getting older and since Amelia's passing I…don't believe I shall find another love in depth or equity as I once had."

"I believed as you did once," His voice laden with emotion, "but love is precious Minerva and often found when you are least looking."

"And I found love Albus. A love that enraptured my soul, how can you believe that I shall find another? She was my other half…"

"Or perhaps she was the road to your other half whom you have yet to meet." She looked at him aghast, and he immediately continued. "I meant no disrespect to her or you, my dear as you well know my feelings regarding Amelia; however, there is the possibility that you will meet and fall in love with someone else."

"Albus how can you suggest…"

"Because, it happened to me." He quietly admitted.

Oxox

A/N: Hope you're still enjoying :)